Need tank of international quality, says Army Chief

“What we have today is mid-level technology. What we need is a tank of international quality. I have no doubt that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will be able to develop indigenous capabilities and come up with a better answer and more versatile armoured fighting vehicle in the future,” General Kapoor said.

Drawing from their experience in designing the Arjun MBTs, the DRDO scientists have already started work on a lighter tank called the Arjun MK-II.

The research organisation is also developing a new machine called Tank X that will have features of the Arjun and the T-72 tanks in service with the Army.

The Army Chief said that more synergy is required between scientists, users and producers to come up with a machine with cutting edge technology.

“Scientists cannot work in isolation. The users and producers — both public sector undertakings and private players — need to be with them. Only then will we see an indigenous armoured fighting vehicle of international quality,” the General said.

Meanwhile, the Army is getting ready to conduct yet another round of field trials of the Arjun tank.

The first squadron of 14 tanks had been handed over for user trials last year and were returned to the Combat Vehicles Development Establishment with a list of defects. The DRDO now claims to have ironed out all defects.